Towns worthy of a visit whilst you’re with us include Sherborne, Shaftesbury, Blandford Forum, Dorchester, Beaminster and Cerne Abbas, home of the famous giant. Thomas Hardy wrote his novel ‘Return of the Native’ whilst living in Sturminster Newton in Riverside, a stone mansion on the edge of town. Here there’s the 15th century mediaeval bridge, with six arches over the River Stour, that still carries the penalty of ‘Transportation for Life’ for anyone who damages it. The bridge is the one featured in Hardy’s poem ‘On Sturminster Bridge’. The Hardy Heritage Trail is well worth following.
We have compiled our own book of all the local attractions and activities, a copy of which guests will find in their room.
The famous Dorset coast beckons, especially Lulworth and Studland, only a short drive away. During the winter there is the popular racing at Wincanton and many enjoy following the local hunts, such as the Portman, Blackmore and Sparkford Vale and the South and West Wilts.
There are some superb historic houses to visit whilst you are with us, including Mapperton, Wilton House, Longleat House and Safari Park, Athelhampton, Milton Abbey, Melplash and Parnham. You might also be interested in Bovington Tank Museum, The Fleet Air Arm Museum, Larmer Tree Gardens and the Salisbury International Arts Festival.
Plumber Manor is also a favourite with the parents of children attending the local independent schools, including Bryanston, Clayesmore School, Hanford School for Girls, Sherborne School for Boys and Sherborne School for Girls, Milton Abbey, Port Regis, St Antony’s Leweston, St Mary’s, Shaftesbury and Canford.
There are beauty salons as well as gym and spa facilities nearby that we can recommend.
Plumber Manor is recommended by:
Michelin, The Good Food Guide, The Good Hotel Guide, the Best Loved Hotels and Johansens guides and is a member of the Pride of Britain consortium.